Putting the "High" in Baha'i

On Thursday, I wrote about the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette, Illinois, one of eight in the world, and include a photograph of the majestic structure.

Reader Fred Nachman sent along a photo of another of the temples, this one from Haifa.  As what appears from the two pictures, and what another reader Keith Kretchmer subsequently noted, all the Baha'i Temples, while from a similar foundation, have a different design.

A few thoughts come to mind when looking at this structure and the surrounding grounds.

1.  This is one jaw-dropping gorgeous building and setting.  Those Baha'is sure know how to design for a sense of majesty.

2.  This might be a magnificent temple, but can you catch the El to Wrigley Field and a Cubs game from here?  I think not.  Score one for the temple in Wilmette.

3.  If you wanted to build a house of worship that was sure to the scare off the reform, moderate or even conservative practitioners of your religion from ever attending services and guaranteed to only attract the most all-encompassing, whirling-dervishly devout, this is how you'd design it.